(HONG KONG) The Dragonair Aviation Certificate Programme (DACP) celebrated a double milestone last Friday, 27 November - the graduation of the latest 31 graduates together with the programme’s 10th anniversary. Joining the graduates were more than 100 DACP alumni, pilot mentors and guests from the programme’s supporting partners.

The DACP, a major initiative under the Dragonair Youth Aviation Academy, is organised by Dragonair in conjunction with the Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps. The aim is to motivate and inspire young Hong Kong people, aged 18 to 25, through a nine-month programme that will help them in their aspirations to develop a career in aviation.

Speaking at the graduation and anniversary celebration event, Dragonair Chief Executive Officer Algernon Yau said: “The Hong Kong aviation industry has seen rapid growth. With the addition of a third runway at Hong Kong International Airport, it is expected that the number of jobs directly associated with our home airport will grow from the 63,000 in 2012 to 123,000 by 2030. A large pool of aviation talent will be needed to support this growth. Our commitment made at the launch of the DACP in 2005 is bearing fruit, with many programme graduates having already embarked on aviation careers. We will continue our work to ensure that Hong Kong’s aviation industry keeps flying high.”

Group Captain Lee Kwok-wing, Commanding Officer of the Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps, the co-organiser of the programme, said: "This programme combines pilot mentorship, industry visits, leadership exercises, etiquette training and community services into an extraordinary experience for the mentees, assisting them to gain a foothold in the aviation industry after graduation from the programme." He added that with the rapid expansion of the local aviation industry, he had full confidence in the participants securing a bright future.

In addition to providing a wide range of opportunities for participants to deepen their aviation knowledge, the programme also helps identify interests and talents, helping these young people to develop a positive attitude towards their careers and life pursuits with the guidance of their mentors and industry professionals. Some 90 Dragonair pilots have provided mentoring over the years, motivating and inspiring participants in both their career and personal development. To date, half of the 180 DACP graduates are working as flight dispatchers, air traffic controllers, load controllers, cabin crew and pilots.

Lawrence Lau, a 2013 graduate, is now working for TAG Aviation Asia Ltd, one of the DACP supporting organisations. He said: “I didn’t know about TAG until I took part in the DACP and realised there are a lot of opportunities in this industry. I was assisted in my personal development by my mentor and programme coordinator. I am proud to be still involved with the DACP, but this time in the capacity of a supporting organisation. I am delighted to be able to introduce my company to more talents through this unique education programme.”

Enrolment for the 2016 DACP has already begun and is open until 13 December 2015. Young people who are interested in exploring the exciting world of aviation should not miss out on this valuable learning opportunity. Programme details and application procedures can be found at www.dragonair.com/aviationacademy.

The Dragonair Aviation Certificate Programme (DACP) celebrated a double milestone last Friday, 27 November - the graduation of the latest 31 graduates together with the programme’s 10th anniversary.

The Dragonair Aviation Certificate Programme (DACP) celebrated a double milestone last Friday, 27 November - the graduation of the latest 31 graduates together with the programme’s 10th anniversary.

The Dragonair Aviation Certificate Programme (DACP) celebrated a double milestone last Friday, 27 November - the graduation of the latest 31 graduates together with the programme’s 10th anniversary.

To date, half of the 180 DACP graduates have already realised their aviation dreams, working as flight dispatchers, air traffic controllers, load controllers, cabin crew and pilots.